Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978
Willie J. Evans
Willie James Evans, 65, died Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Decatur. A native and life-long resident of Putnam County, he was better known as “Fess” and was a 1960 graduate of Butler-Baker School. Married to Doris M. Harrison on Sept. 30, 1964, he was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. After his tour, he returned to Eatonton and was a long-time employee of the Colonial Food Store. He later worked at Flambeau in Madison until his health began to fail. Survivors include his wife, Doris Harrison Evans of Eatonton; two sons, Richard S. Evans and Kenneth J. Evans, both of Eatonton; daughter, Georgia White of Atlanta; four brothers, Louis Evans of Philadelphia, Pa., Bruce Evans of Phoenix, Ariz., John T. Evans and Johnny Evans, both of Eatonton; three sisters, Thedora (Howard) Welch of Philadelphia, Pa., Brenda (Lawson) Little and Sherry Evans, all of Eatonton; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; eight sisters- in-law; three brothers-in-law; aunt, Rosie Pool; uncles, Johnny Evans and James A. Williams; father-in-law, Rosser Harrison of Eatonton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Funeral service was Saturday, Dec. 8 in Texas AME Church with the Rev. Simone Jones officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Flower bearers were members of the Butler-Baker Class of 1960. Pallbearers were members of American Legion Post 583. Honorary pallbearers were Class of 1960 members. Hurt and Redd Funeral Home in Eatonton was in charge of arrangements.
Sa’niyah M. Farley
Sa’niyah No’nae Farley, infant, died Nov. 22, 2007. She was born Oct. 26, 2007. Survivors include her parents, Charquala Andrews and Octavia Farley; twin sister, Triniyah Lanae Farley; brother, Kavar Deyontae Andrews; grandparents, Charles and Martha Andrews, and Beatrice Farley; great-grandparents, Pearlie Waller, Same and Ebulah Farler, and Joe Andrews; and a host of aunts, uncles and other relatives. Graveside service was Wednesday, Nov. 28 at Greater Bell Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery in Eatonton with the Rev. Willie C. Jones Sr. officiating. Putnam Memorial Funeral Home in Eatonton was in charge of arrangements.
Mattie V. Parks
Mattie Virginia Parks, 90, died Nov. 22, 2007. Born Nov. 17, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Julia Mae Ross and John Redd. She was educated at Bell Chapel Church School and later became a member of the church. She was united in marriage to Joseph Parks, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by three children, Tommy Lee Parks, Alice Parks and Lizzie Fisher, as well as sister Corinne Reese Parham. After the death of their mother, she helped raise four of her grandchildren, Luchion Parks, Leslie Parks, Lashanan Parks and tommie Parks. Survivors include seven children, six daughters and one son, Ruby (Moses) Little, Dorothy (Irene) Johnson, Betty Jean (Flemming) Waller, Virginia Parks, Dorothy Mae Parks, Annie Parks (Jimmie Lee) and Prince Parks; 23 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three nieces, Lavonia Murray (James) of Richmond, Va., Mary Frances Robbins of Union Point and Dorothy Ellison of Eatonton; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral service was Saturday, Dec. 1 at Greater Bell Chapel Baptist Church with the Revs. Gregory Ellison and L.L. Solomon officiating. Pallbearers were Bradley Ellison, Johnny Ellison, Willie Johnson, Michael Jordan, Bernard Little and Robert Nance. Flower bearers were Felicia Ellison, Tywannada Griffin, Tereasa Little, Felicia Parks, Lashanan Parks and Leslie Parks. Putnam Memorial Funeral Home in Eatonton was in charge of arrangements.
Richard R. VonDuhn
Richard Ray VonDuhn, 85, of the Lake Sinclair area, died Friday, Dec. 7, 2007. A native of Wehawken, N.J., he lived in Richmond, Va. for a number of years and had lived on Lake Sinclair for the past 22 years. He was a retired industrial electrician and a Mason. He attended Concord United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Ray and Ruby Marie Lundin VonDuhn. Survivors include his wife, Ruth VonDuhn of Lake Sinclair; two daughters; one son; two sisters; one brother; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral service was Wednesday, Dec. 12 in Concord United Methodist Church with the Rev. Karon Compton officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice Care Options, 821 N. Cobb St., Milledgeville, GA 31061 or Concord United Methodist Church, 280 Possum Point Drive, SE, Eatonton, GA, 31024 or the charity of the donor’s choice. Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Milledgeville was in charge of arrangements.
Emily M. Green
Emily Marie Green, 64, of Eatonton, died Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007. Survivors include her son, James Scott Green of Eatonton; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Green of Eatonton; mother, Emily Porch; brother, Thomsa Collier Porch III and wife Barbara of Macon; and granddaughters, Shelby Green and Madison Green Helms. Funeral service was Friday, Nov. 30 at Manley Memorial Church with Brother Harry Michael officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Manley Memorial Church or the American Cancer Society. Vining Ivy Hill Chapel in Eatonton was in charge of arrangements.
Bessie L. Trumble
Bessie Lee Trumble, 71, of Eatonton, died Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007. A native of Swain County, N.C., she was born March 9, 1936. She was a member of Franklin Grove Church in Bryson City, N.C. Survivors include her husband, Leonard Linton Trumble; children, James Sizemore of Cherokee, N.C., Diane Millsaps of Bryson City, N.C., Ray and Michael Sizemore of Eatonton, Don Sizemore of Florida, Teresa Mace of Marion, N.C., Michael Trumble of Morgantown, N.C., and Ricky and Johnny Trumble of Marion, N.C.; brothers, Wade Mason of Bryson City, N.C., and Bill Mason of Morgantown, N.C.; sister, Margaret Crisp of Bryson City, N.C.; 21 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral service was Sunday, Nov. 24 at Crisp Funeral Home. Interment followed in Lauada Cemetery. Pallbearers were Doug Jenkins, Billy Dean Wooten, Billy Millsap, Cody Sizemore, Matthew Brown and Travis Sizemore. Vining Ivy Hill Chapel of Eatonton was in charge of local arrangements.
Eugene Carpenter
Eugene Carpenter, 75, of Eatonton and formerly of Milan, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. Funeral services were Wednesday, Dec. 5, at Rebecca Baptist Church, Milan, with burial in the church cemetery. A native of Telfair County, Carpenter was the son of the late David Lee and Caroline McLeod Carpenter. Retired from Carolina Freight Carriers, he was a member of Rutland Masonic Lodge of Macon and lifelong member of Rebecca Baptist Church, which was named for his grandmother. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with family and friends. He was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters. Survivors include his wife, Wanda Silver Carpenter of Eatonton; children, Kay (Dr. Louis) Goolsby, Joanie (Russell) Bowden, and Gina (Jamie) Saylor, all of Macon, Mike (Julia) Carpenter of Juliette, Billy (Tammy) Raley Jr. of Dudley; grandchildren, Sandy Tout, Lisa Lee, Emily Goolsby, Eric Goolsby, Brandon Bowden, Courtney Bowden, Ashley Carpenter, Michael Eugene Carpenter Jr., Hershel Saylor, Joshua Lee Raley and Brooke Raley; great-grandchildren, Mattison Tout and Kinsley Tout; 11 nieces; four nephews; and Chessie Carpenter, mother of Kay, Joanie, Mike and Gina, also survives. Vaughn Funeral Home of McRae had charge of arrangements.
Tommie Farley Sr.
Tommie Farley Sr., 83, of Eatonton, died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007 at his residence. He was a native and lifelong resident of Putnam County and was educated in the Putnam County public schools. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was an employee of Enterprise Aluminum for more than 30 years before he retired. He was a member of St. John AME Church, where he served on the Steward Board, pro tem of the trustee board, member of the male chorus and member of the senior choir. He was a charter member of American Legion Post No. 583, where he served as post commander for several terms. He assisted in organizing youth baseball leagues within Putnam County and also played with the Eatonton Bombers. Survivors include his wife, Fannie Pearl Farley; three sons, Tommie Farley Jr. and wife Brenda of Hampton, Va., Johnny Welsey Farley and wife Paula and Lilton Celeste Farley and wife Gwen, all of Macon; eight grandchildren, LaShanna R. Farley of Dallas, Texas, Tammy Hill of Douglasville, Danah M. Kaigler and husband andrew of Newport News, Va., Juna J. Hill of Covington, Teira E. Farley of Tallahassee, Fla., Franchasa Johnson and husband Marshall and Denetra E. Farley, all of Macon, and Johnathan T. Farley of Nashville, Tenn.; very special “self- adopted son,” Willie Frank Thompkins; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral service was at St. John AME Church in Eatonton with the Rev. Wayne Griffin officiating. Interment followed in East Eatonton Cemetery. Pallbearers were members of Post 583 Legionnaires. Flower bearers were members of the Post 583 Auxiliaries. Hurt and Redd Funeral Home of Eatonton was in charge of arrangements.
Algie L. Hurt
Algie Lene Lawrence Hurt, 70, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 in Rockdale County. A native of Sparta, she attended public school there before moving Eatonton. She was employed by Eatonton Manufacturing for a number of years and worked with Perky Cap Company until retirement in 2000. She was a member of Eastern Star Superior Chapter No. 160 and married Earnest Hurt Sr. in 1958. She was preceded in death by her husband and a daughter, Yvonne Hurt. She will always be remembered by her famous sweet potato pies and good ol’ dressing. Survivors include special daughter, Devonne LeShay Hurt; two more daughters, Marilyn Cobb and husband Mike and Deborah Walker and husband Bobby, all of Eatonton; three sons, Earnest Hurt Jr. and wife Sharon of Milledgeville, Calvin Hurt and wife Lavonne of Toccoa, and Tony Collins and wife Teresa of Eatonton; five sisters, Beatrice Lawrence, Alfreda Fluellan, Louise and Brenda Joyce Way, all of Atlanta, and Mamie Robbins and husband Frank of Springfield, Ohio; three brothers, Elmer Harper and wife Julia of Sparta, Algie Hurt of Columbus and Reginald Bush of Athens; six sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; 12 grandchildren; eight great- grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Funeral service was at Greater Bell Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Gregory Ellison officiating. Interment followed in East Eatonton Cemetery. Pallbearers were nephews and friends. Flower bearers were members of Eastern Star Superior Chapter No. 160. Hurt and Redd Funeral Home of Eatonton was in charge of arrangements.
Hubert L. Andrews
Hubert Lee Andrews, of E. Marion Street in Eatonton, died Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007 at Putnam General Hospital. A native of Eatonton, he was born Dec. 4, 1942 to the late George and Fannie Bell Andrews. He joined St. John AME Church at an early age and remained a faithful member until his death. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five siblings, Annie Bell Andrews, Georgia Andrews, Lizale Griffin, Vila Mae Little and George Andrews Jr. Survivors include his sister, Irene Williams; brother, Willie Andrews and wife Betty; niece, Tyka Williams; 11 other nieces; 17 nephews; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral service was Saturday, Nov. 24 at St. John AME Church with the Rev. Wayne Griffin officiating. Interment followed in East Eatonton Cemetery. Bernard’s Family Funeral Care in Eatonton was in charge of arrangements.
Alice W. Key
Alice Watson “Patti” Key, 85, died Monday, Nov. 19, 2007 at her home in High Point, N.C. She was a graduate of Hunter University, where she received her BA, MA and Ph.D in Theatre and Speech. Throughout her career as a speech and theatre professor at Monmouth University (N.J.), Wesleyan College in Macon, High Point (N.C.) University and Guilford (N.C.) Technical Community College, she was very involved in local community and college theatre productions, as well as children’s theatre. She was also founder of PAPA (Putnam Alliance for the Performing Arts) in Eatonton, where she directed many plays. She had substantial creative energy that she poured into both writing plays and short stories. She kept her countless friends entertained with her high sense of drama, antics and wit. She had an enormous zest for life and lived it to the fullest. She was the daughter of the late Chester and Caroline Watson and was preceded in death by her beloved son Peter Kortum in 1962; husband Thomas “Tom” P. Key Jr. in 1975; sisters Jean and Mary Watson and Robin Hester; and brother Chester Watson. She was a member of Friends Meeting House in Washington, D.C. Survivors include stepdaughters, Suzan Key Greeson of High Point, N.C., and Patti Key Williams of Franklin, Tenn.; and grandchildren, Sarah Landrum Williams of Raleigh, N.C., and Hunter Williams of Nashville, Tenn. A memorial service will be held Friday in Grout Chapel at Wesleyan Arms at 2:30 p.m. The family will greet friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Guilford County Animal Shelter, 4525 West Wendover Ave., Greensboro, NC 27409. Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point, N.C., is in charge of arrangements.
Willie F. Dennis
Willie Frank “Lank” Dennis, 62, of Eatonton, died Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007. A native of Eatonton, he was born May 27, 1945 to the late Isaac and Lizzie Dennis. A member of Henderson Grove Baptist Church, he was an ordained deacon and remained faithful until his untimely death. He was a 1964 graduate of Butler-Baker School and employed by Horton Homes for more than 20 years. On Jan. 27, 1968, he married the former Leola Dunn. He was also a member of several clubs and organizations, as well as being an avid hunter and fisherman. He was preceded in death by three siblings, Marion, Katie and Henry. Survivors include his wife, Leola Dennis; children, Randy and wife Mechelle, Darryl, Kim and husband Corey, Keith and wife Tara and Kirsten; seven grandchildren, Macie, Randy Jr., Kierra, Taylor, Markeise, Kyandre and Camani; siblings, Charles of Detroit, Mich., Doris and Isaac Jr., both of Atlanta; a host of sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, family and friends. Funeral service was Nov. 10 at Putnam County High School Little Theater with the Rev. Willie C. Jones Sr. officiating. Pallbearers were members of Masonic Lodge No. 170, Butler-Baker Class of 1964, family and friends. Flower attendants were Class of 1964 classmates, family and friends. Putnam Memorial Funeral Home in Eatonton was in charge of arrangements.
Betty Jo V. Patterson
Betty Jo Vandiver Patterson, 70, of Greensboro, died Friday, Nov. 9, 2007 at Athens Regional Medical Center. Born in Hall County on Jan. 13, 1937 she was one of 12 children born to the late Hoyt S. Vandiver Sr. and Mary Lois Bryant Vandiver. When she was 3 years old, the family moved to Greene County. She graduated from Greensboro High School in 1955 and married Robert Julian Patterson on July 18, 1964 in McCormick, S.C. After high school, she was a seamstress for Lena Hy Garment Company, Stewart Apparel and Hometown Manufacturing. Her last job was working as a merchandiser for American Greeting Cards. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Hoyt S. “June” Vandiver Jr. and William Jarrell “Bodie” Vandiver. Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Robert Julian Patterson, of Greensboro; daughter, Kim Gunn and husband Joel of Greensboro; sisters, Jeannette Veal and husband Walter of Rutledge, Kathryn Melson and husband Walter of Crawfordville, Carolyn Batson and husband Donald of Eatonton, and Linda Hutto of Cartersville; brothers, Thomas Vandiver Sr. and wife Geraldine of Greensboro, Louie L. Vandiver and wife JoAnn of Greensboro, Marion Vandiver and wife Faye of Eatonton, Jerry S. Vandiver and wife Connie of the Liberty community, and Darrell Vandiver and wife Kay of Greensboro; two grandchildren, Hannah Gunn and Joshua Gunn; and a number of other relatives and friends. Graveside service was Tuesday, Nov. 13 at Greensboro City Cemetery with the Rev. Michael Hardy officiating. Serving as pallbearers are Doc Gunn, William Vandiver, Jody Vandiver, Jack Melson, John Lewis and Alan Vandiver. McCommons Funeral Home in Greensboro was in charge of arrangements.
Doyle E. Bean
Doyle E. Bean, 94, of Pierce Avenue in Macon, died Monday, Nov. 12, 2007. A member of Cross Keys United Methodist Church, he was retired after 42 years with Central of Georgia (Norfolk-Southern) Railroad. He was a diligent worker for the Shriner’s hospital, Masonic Lodge No. 5 and Al Sihah Shrine Temple, where he earned the Crown of Honor. He was also an avid gardener. A former resident of Lake Sinclair, he had recently moved to Macon. Survivors include his daughter, Brenda Jackson of Cartersville; son, Jim Bean and wife Elaine of Macon; daughter, Wanda Patrick and husband Bill of Macon; seven grandchildren; 10 great- grandchildren; sister, Nell Justice of Macon; two nieces; and a nephew. Graveside service is Thursday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. at Macon Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Magnolia Manor of Macon, 200 Pierce Ave., Macon, GA 31204. Hart’s Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Richard S. Cornett
Richard Steve Cornett, 50, of Eatonton and formerly of Atlanta, died Nov. 9, 2007. A native of Fulton County, he was of the Baptist faith and worked for Zenith LaborNet in Tucker. Survivors include his wife, Melinda Cornett of Hoschton; son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Jenna Cornett of Atlanta; daughter, Wendy Cornett of Clarkston; mother, Mary Frances Cornett of Eatonton; brother, Marvis Cornett of Eatonton; and granddaughter, Kendal Cornett. Funeral service was Monday, Nov. 12 at Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home in Norcross. Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home in Norcross was in charge of arrangements.
Leon E. Lyles
Leon Eugene Lyles, 82, of Eatonton, passed away Friday, Nov. 9, 2007. He was born in Wilkinson Co. to the late Robert Lyles and Bessie Amerson Lyles. He was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Navy and later was a self-employed tool salesman. He is survived by his wife, Agnes Lyles of Eatonton; son, Ray Lyles (Catherine) of Forsyth, Ga.; grandchildren, Joshua Lyles (Brandi) of Forsyth, Ga., Davilan Lyles, of Macon, Ga.; great-grandchildren, Kyla, Kayleigh and Keirsten Lyles of Forsyth, Ga.; sisters, Carolyn Adams of Macon, Ga. and Verlie Thigpen of Hazelhurst, Ga. Visitation was held Monday, Nov. 12 from 5-7 p.m. Graveside service was held Tuesday, Nov. 13 in Middle Georgia Memory Gardens at 3 p.m. The family may be contacted at 761 Gose Road, Forsyth, Ga. Hart’s Mortuary, of Macon, was in charge of arrangements.
James O. Stewart, Jr.
James Ovid Stewart, Jr., 81, of Putnam County, died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007. He served in the U.S. Navy, was a Clayton County commissioner, president of Clayton County Chamber of Commerce, president of Clyaton County Cancer Society, was a member of various organizations such as, Clayton County Hospital Board, Putnam County Board of Equalization, Ben Hill Masonic Lodge, Learning in Retirement, Chairman of Deacons, as well as a devoted Sunday school teacher and a Rotarian. He is survived by his wife, Doris Yancey Stewart; sons, Jeff Stewart and wife Judy, Clay Stewart and wife Amy, all of Fayetteville, Ga., Bruce Stewart and wife Jan, of Jonesboro, Ga.; stepsons Ron Lundstrom and wife Nancy, of Atlanta, Ga. and Danny Lundstrom and wife Terri, of Fayetteville, Ga.; brother Ed Stewart and wife Angel, of Atlanta, Ga.; sister Brenda Brown and husband Charlie of Jackson, Ga.; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in the memory of James O. Stewart, Jr. Visitation was held Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 6-8 p.m. at Vining Ivy Hill Chapel in Eatonton. Church service was held at First Baptist Church on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. and interment at Arlington Memorial Cemetary, Atlanta, Ga., at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Vining Ivy Hill was in charge of arrangements.
A. J. Willis
A. J. Willis, 87, of Possum Point Drive, Eatonton, passed away Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007 in the Minnie G. Boswell Hospital in Greensboro, Ga. after an extended illness. He was a native of Toombs County, but had resided in Eatonton for the past 20 years. He was a retired carpenter, a member of the Chosen Church of God in Eatonton and a member of the Eatonton Pentecostal- Holiness Church. He was preceded in death by his wife Katheryn Fulford Willis, a son Larry A. J. Willis, his parents Jake and Myrtle Willis and seven brothers and sisters. He is survived by three daughters, Mary Clark, Martha Burgamy and Joanne Jenkins, all of Eatonton; two brothers, J. F. “Bobe” Willis of Townsend and J. Lee Willis of Ovedia, Fla.; four sisters, Clara Mae Walker of Claxton, Betty Franklin of Reidsville, Patsy Newham of Uvalda and Alice Ryals of Townsend; 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, two great, great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m at the Stewart Funeral Service Vidalia Chapel with the Rev. Wilse Davis and Dr. Richard Zeller officiating. Interment followed in the Walker Cemetery near Alston, Ga. The family gathered at the residence of sister and brother-in- law, Patsy and Jerry Newham and received friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6-9 p.m. Stewart Funeral Service Vidalia Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Charla H. Moore
Charla Hightower Moore, born April 26, 1957, in Eatonton, passed away at her home in South Carolina on Oct. 19, 2007. She was the daughter of the late Eugene and LaTrelle (Alliston) Hightower. Prior to her move to South Carolina to be closer to her family, she resided in Milledgeville, Ga. A woman of many talents, she loved to read, write poetry and be around her family. She is loved by her family and friends and will be deeply missed. She is survived by her sons, Shane and wife Jennifer Scoggins and Neil and wife Ashley Scoggins, all of Columbia, S.C.; seven adorable grandchildren, Kellie, Hunter, Kyle, Neil Jr., Jenny, Brandon and Raylynn, all of Columbia, S.C.; beloved friends, Randy and Rose Evans of Milledgeville, Ga. and a host of other extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her sister Wynona Hightower Smith. A memorial will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 3 at Vining Ivy Hill Chapel.
